Fifth Disease

A couple of weeks ago, the mother to one of C's classmates let me know that her son had come down with a virus. They didn't know he had the virus until his cheeks turned all red, but by then he was no longer contagious. I am so glad she gave me this heads up, because I probably would have been rather alarmed when those scarlet patches showed up on C's face and arms.

Despite the rather vague but ominous sounding name - and the fact that it is caused by a human parvovirus (not the dog virus), Fifth Disease is a pretty mild illness. Most don't know they have it until the rash appears. C has had an on again, off again scratchy throat and a slightly watery nose that I thought was probably just allergies, but it could have been this instead.

In case you're wondering, as I was, why it is called Fifth Disease, I will enlighten you. This is taken directly from kidshealth.org. (http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/bacterial_viral/fifth.html)

The name "fifth disease" is historic. This infection was counted among the five classical rash-associated infections of childhood. The other four were measles, scarlet fever, rubella (German measles), and a rash-producing infection that's unknown to doctors today and is simple referred to as "fourth disease."

At any rate, C is doing well. Sometimes she tries to play the sick card, but basically she's carrying on as usual. Here's a photo of her rash. Luckily, when I came home tonight to take photos, the rash on her face was significantly improved - so I'll just show where it is worst now. It's the strangest thing how this rash is just working its way down her body.



A funny little side note. We took the girls to church yesterday since Grandpa at home was being put into the bishopric, but P took the girls home during Primary. Even though C shouldn't be contagious, I didn't want any parents thinking I had exposed their kids since her rash is so visible. And even though M isn't showing any signs, she could be infected and contagious - so I figured better safe than sorry. Anyway, our bishop came up to C and was trying to pay her a compliment by commenting that she must be wearing pretty "rouge". Yes, I usually do send my five year old to church wearing makeup ;) Despite the brilliant cheeks, she does look really cute because the pink hue really brings out her blue eyes.